The Intelligence from The Economist

<p>The fragile ceasefire between America and Iran is threatened by an exchange of <a href="https://www.economist.com/topics/war-in-the-middle-east?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ballistic missiles</a> overnight between Iran and Israel. Our correspondent examines the consequences. China’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/03/byd-is-losing-its-spark?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BYD cars</a> are losing ground to other electric vehicles. And why hit TV shows inspire “<a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/14/companion-podcasts-are-the-latest-hit-format?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">companion podcasts</a>”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Don Weinland, China business editor</li><li>Elizabeth Peet, researcher</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Iran, Israel, Lebanon, ceasefire, Trump</li><li>BYD, EVs, Tesla, Xpeng, Li Auto</li><li>Podcasts, Beef, The Pitt, HBO</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>After decades of overpopulation worries, the country now has the opposite concern. We examine India’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/06/04/indias-surprise-baby-bust-is-a-warning-to-the-world?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unusual demographic turn</a>, and why it is a wider warning to the world. Vegan substitutes have broadly improved in recent years—so why is there <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/1843/2026/05/08/grate-expectations-the-troubled-quest-for-tasty-vegan-cheese?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no good vegan cheese</a>? And remembering <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/06/04/sonny-rollins-believed-that-jazz-was-all-there-was?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sonny Rollins</a>, an absolute colossus of the saxophone.&nbsp;</p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief</li><li>Sam Colbert, senior series producer, Economist Podcasts</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>India, fertility rates, global population</li><li>vegan cheese</li><li>Sonny Rollins, jazz</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Nigel Farage, leader of the populist-right Reform UK party, wants Britons to be enraged by a killing in the street. We ask why his <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/06/03/was-this-britains-george-floyd-moment?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tone has changed</a> from “colour-blind” to race-baiting. NATO must now take seriously the idea that America is pulling back; we ask <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/21/why-nato-needs-a-plan-b?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how it is adjusting</a>. And why skipping title sequences is forgoing some of <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/01/why-you-should-never-skip-a-tv-intro?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">television’s magic</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Hugo Gye, British political correspondent</li><li>Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent</li><li>Andrew Miller, “Back Story” columnist</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>British politics, race relations</li><li>NATO, American foreign policy</li><li>television, media</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Now that America has stepped back, Europe is at last stepping up. We examine the bloc’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/06/01/ukraine-is-now-europes-war-survival-cant-be-the-only-aim?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tactics</a> (if not yet a strategy) and how steady its support is likely to be. With the coming public listings of SpaceX and Anthropic, we ask whether stockmarkets can handle a string of “<a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/06/01/can-the-stockmarket-swallow-anthropic-spacex-and-openai?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">giga-IPOs</a>”. And our World Cup series looks at Iran’s side.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondent</li><li>Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Europe, security, Ukraine war</li><li>IPOs, investment, stockmarkets, SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI</li><li>World Cup, Iran</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Visit</em><a href="https://education.economist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em> education.economist.com</em></a><em> and use code 5YEARS to save 15% on courses developed by our editors and correspondents.</em></p><br><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The AI world’s go-to chipmaker is blazing a trail toward your personal computer. We ask what moving out of the cloud indicates about the future of computing. The three candidates for mayor of Los Angeles could not be more different, and they are running neck and neck. And updating generic filler text for the business-jargon era.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer</li><li>Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent</li><li>Andrew Palmer, executive editor and “Bartleby” columnist</li><li>Jason Palmer (no relation), co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Nvidia, AI, technology</li><li>Los Angeles, American politics</li><li>corporate jargon</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Aid is ramping up to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and vaccine work is progressing. But what the Ebola response <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/28/congos-response-to-ebola-is-late-and-chaotic?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most lacks</a> is trust of the community. European governments and businesses are wary of their dependence on America’s tech giants; we examine a spate of <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/21/how-europe-is-fighting-for-digital-sovereignty?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home-grown efforts</a>. And sticky toffee pudding, a staid British classic, gets a sweet <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/03/31/for-the-love-of-sticky-toffee-pudding?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">social-media boost</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Christian Odendahl, European economics editor</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent and sticky toffee pudding enthusiast</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Ebola outbreak, Democratic Republic of Congo, epidemiology, vaccines</li><li>European technology, American tech giants, technological sovereignty&nbsp;</li><li>sticky toffee pudding</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Our outgoing defence editor reflects on <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/essay/2026/05/28/the-dangerous-delusion-of-modern-warfare?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how war has changed</a> during the eight years of his tenure. Wars have become <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/28/smart-tech-is-making-war-a-dumber-choice?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easier to start and harder to finish</a>, and the little guy has a better chance than ever before. And our obituaries editor pays tribute to <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/05/28/barney-frank-always-took-the-underdogs-side?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barney Frank</a>, a trailblazing Democratic congressman.</p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a></p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Shashank Joshi, defence editor</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>war, technology, Ukraine, Iran</li><li>Barney Frank</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The American administration’s next round of sabre-rattling has been directed at Cuba. But more military adventures there would probably prove <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/27/attacking-cuba-would-be-a-huge-mistake?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">disastrous</a>. We profile the three starkly different contenders in Colombia’s hyper-polarised <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/05/24/colombias-pivotal-polarised-election-could-not-be-tighter?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">presidential election</a>. And our series looking at World Cup squads goes to Mexico.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Sarah Birke, bureau chief for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean</li><li>Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Cuba, American foreign policy</li><li>Colombia’s elections</li><li>World Cup, Mexico</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Economic support, drone capability, defence under new management: the tide may have turned for Ukraine. But domestic politics and perceptions will define <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/26/ukraines-latest-challenge-is-how-to-deal-with-hope?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">what kind of win</a> the country might hope for. We examine how Home Depot, the world’s largest DIY chain, is <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/05/20/economics-lessons-from-home-depot?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a window</a> into America’s ailing housing market. And what is <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/07/the-surprising-supply-chain-choke-point-for-cricket-bats?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pinching the supply</a> of England’s famed cricket bats.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent</li><li>Vinjeru Mkandawire, news editor</li><li>Andrew Rummer, Britain contributor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Ukraine war</li><li>America’s housing market, Home Depot</li><li>cricket bats, supply chains</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>More mixed messages from President Donald Trump and air strikes that seem to violate the ceasefire: all that is remotely in prospect is <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/25/what-an-america-iran-deal-might-look-like?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a deal to keep on dealmaking</a>. China’s “superapps” are pioneering <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/05/17/ai-super-apps-are-remaking-chinas-internet?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the use of agentic AI</a>—with some odd outcomes. And the curious reason that grouse harm themselves on ski lifts (and <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/04/22/how-to-stop-colour-blind-grouse-flying-into-ski-lifts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to save them</a>).&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Don Weinland, China business and finance editor</li><li>Matt Kaplan, science correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Iran war, diplomacy</li><li>China, business, agentic AI</li><li>birds, science</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What do we mean by a “good book”? Some people choose a holiday read that demands time and attention. Others pick rip-roaring novels that require little thought. Our bookworms discuss whether art has to be improving to be praiseworthy, and give genre fiction some much-needed air time.&nbsp;</p><br><p>This is a full list of the books mentioned in the show:</p><p>“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen</p><p>“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown</p><p>Jack Reacher series by Lee Child</p><p>“The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy</p><p>“Riders” and the other Rutshire chronicles by Jilly Cooper</p><p>Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman</p><p>“Middlemarch” by George Eliot</p><p>“Ulysses” by James Joyce</p><p>“Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel</p><p>“The Diamond Age” by Neal Stephenson</p><p>The Murderbot series by Martha Wells&nbsp;</p><p>“The Martian” by Andy Weir</p><p>“American Wife” by Curtis Sittenfeld</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Catherine Nixey, culture and Britain correspondent</li><li>Tom Standage, Economist deputy editor</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Alex Hern, AI writer</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Fiction, romance, sci-fi, crime, thrillers, fantasy, romantasy</li><li>Jane Austen, Jilly Cooper, Curtis Sittenfeld, Lee Child</li><li>Matt Dinniman, Pierce Brown, Neal Stephenson</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/21/spacex-is-capitalism-on-rocket-fuel?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elon Musk</a> has launched the largest stockmarket listing in history. The accompanying space mission remains grounded. Our correspondent weighs SpaceX’s extraordinary ambitions. The Republican party trades on its masculine image, but some <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/05/03/young-men-are-souring-on-donald-trump?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">young men</a> are turning away. And, after a blind tasting 50 years ago unleashed a new wave of <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/21/a-blind-tasting-revolutionised-the-wine-world-50-years-ago?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wine drinking</a>, the market is drying out.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tim Cross, senior science writer</li><li>Robert Guest, <em>Economist</em> deputy editor</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>SpaceX, Starlink, XAI, Elon Musk</li><li>Donald Trump, Republicans, masculinity</li><li>Wine, Judgement of Paris</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.&nbsp;</em></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Within the space of a week Chinese president <a href="https://www.economist.com/china/2026/05/18/now-its-vladimir-putins-turn-to-visit-beijing?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xi Jinping</a> has welcomed both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to Beijing. Our correspondent explains the significance of these consecutive meetings. How the <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/20/in-football-britain-has-a-world-beating-industry?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Premier League</a> got its kick – and became one of Britain’s most successful businesses. And, some relax on holiday, others relish <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/14/who-wants-to-relax-on-holiday?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">adrenaline-fuelled</a> activities.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Jeremy Page, chief China correspondent</li><li>Sonny Loughran, Britain writer</li><li>Caitlin Talbot, culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump</li><li>Premier League, football, soccer</li><li>Adrenaline holidays, darecations</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Is <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/17/is-binyamin-netanyahu-facing-his-last-stand?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Binyamin Netanyahu</a>’s time up as Israel’s prime minister? As a vote in parliament triggers the election campaign, our correspondent – and Netanyahu’s biographer – analyses what comes next. We join a US-backed <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/07/mali-shows-the-growing-strength-of-jihadism-in-the-sahel?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">counter-terrorism</a> training exercise in Africa and question whether such missions will outlast Trump. And how Cape Verde came to take part in its first <a href="https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2026/05/18/fifas-exorbitant-world-cup-tickets-could-backfire?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Cup</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent</li><li>Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel, Knesset, Gaza, Hizbullah, Iran</li><li>Ivory Coast, jihadism, anti-terrorism, overseas aid</li><li>World Cup, FIFA, Cape Verde</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The latest Ebola emergency is different from previous ones: there is no vaccine, and the kind of community-level work that stops the spread has been thinned by aid cuts. Britain is likely to get a new prime minister soon; we profile <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/15/andy-burnham-britains-could-be-prime-minister-is-a-man-of-two-parts?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andy Burnham</a>, the Labour party’s polling favourite. And celebrity book clubs abound—but useful criticism in them <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/07/many-celebrities-now-have-book-clubs-most-are-irritating?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">does not</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Joel Budd, social affairs editor</li><li>Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Ebola outbreak, West Africa</li><li>Andy Burnham, British politics</li><li>celebrities, book clubs, book industry</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Atef Najib, a former security chief, is the highest-profile member of the Assad regime to go on trial. We ask why the speed, uneven spread and murky legal basis of justice <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/12/bashar-al-assads-henchmen-start-to-go-on-trial-in-syria?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">troubles many Syrians</a>. Our series leading up to America’s 250th birthday continues to plumb our archive. Today: <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/america-at-250#chapter-5?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the cold war and Vietnam</a>. And why whiskymaking is <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/22/the-curious-rise-of-chinese-whisky?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">booming</a> in China.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Annie Crabill, senior digital editor</li><li>Don Weinland, China business and finance editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Syria, judicial system, transitional justice</li><li>America, 250th anniversary, history</li><li>China, business, whisky</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p>Runtime: 24 min</p><br><p><strong>TWITTER HANDLES OF CONTRIBS</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>@BrowneGareth – Syria</p><p>@annie_crabill – US250</p><p>@donweinland – whisky</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tommy Robinson is an influencer who has <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/14/how-tommy-robinson-far-right-influencer-shaped-views-on-britain?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shaped views</a> on Britain, particularly among his American supporters and funders. A rally this weekend will show how his worldview is reaching the mainstream. A merger in the oligopoly of liftmakers will <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/30/how-a-mega-deal-will-transform-the-lift-industry?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reshape an industry</a> known for its ups and downs. And remembering <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/05/14/raghu-rais-whole-canvas-was-india?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Raghu Rai</a>, whose photographs captured the intensity of India’s people.</p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent</li><li>Simon Wright, industry editor</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Tommy Robinson, Britain’s far right, America’s far right</li><li>Lifts, mergers, business</li><li>Raghui Rai, India, photojournalism</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Perhaps the AI “boomers” are right about a sweeping labour-market revolution. But a careful look at history shows just how unprecedented their bullish scenarios would be. Africa’s bounty of minerals has drawn tremendous recent interest; will the continent see the benefits this time around? And our World Cup profile series continues with a look at Japan’s squad.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Callum Williams, senior economics writer</li><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>AI, labour market, economics, history&nbsp;</li><li>Africa, critical minerals, investment, development</li><li>World Cup, Japan</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-trump-xi-summit-will-expose-a-dysfunctional-duo?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meeting</a> between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will set the tone for three more this year. We examine what and what not to expect. Pepsi has been losing ground to Coca Cola recently; to catch up, it may have to become <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/28/coca-cola-is-trouncing-pepsi-can-the-underdog-turn-things-around?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">more like its rival</a>. And this year’s Venice Biennale is <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/08/welcome-to-a-spectacularly-fraught-edition-of-the-venice-biennale?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">uncomfortably besieged</a> by geopolitics.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Trump/Xi summit, geopolitics</li><li>Coca Cola, Pepsi, business</li><li>Venice Biennale, culture</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Artificial intelligence could help terrorists develop new <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-world-must-stop-ai-from-empowering-bioterrorists?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dangerous pathogens</a>. Our correspondent asks how humanity can protect itself from machine-assisted biological weapons. Stock markets are soaring, despite the oil shock. What does this tell us about investor confidence in traditionally <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/04/14/how-to-build-a-portfolio-when-bonds-fail-to-buffer-stocks?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">safe assets</a>? And the doughs and don’ts of <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/02/germany-claims-it-has-the-worlds-best-bread?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">German bread</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Arthur Holland Michel, emerging tech writer</li><li>Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent</li><li>Lily Meckel, audience fellow</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Bioweapons, AI, virus</li><li>Stockmarkets, oil shock, dollar, government bonds</li><li>German bread, Bernd das Brot</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>